Edward II! Oh Gaveston! Oh Gaveston!

Edward II! Oh Gaveston! Oh Gaveston!

‘T’was Piers, Piers Gaveston, his antics of mischief realised our worst, most abominable  fears! Mention his name in any noble household and you would immediately be deafened by the loudest jeers!’ The cream of the English ruling class departed from Westminster, bemoaning the fare and sights that they had been subjected to at the coronation …

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Edward II

Edward II

The body of Edward I was brought south to Westminster Abbey and entombed there on October 27th. He had reigned for thirty- five years and was therefore the only king most of the population would have known. ‘Oh we gather here today to bid farewell to dear King Edward Longshanks! For his long and illustrious …

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The death of Edward I.

The death of Edward I.

    ‘Although stricken with illness, Edward rode astride a horse, declining to be borne upon a litter! With Robert Bruce and the Scots he was both extremely angry and very, very bitter!’ Oh! Oh! How the old king must have thundered against the Scottish upstart! Bruce’s unworthy ambitions had caused untold disruption, and a …

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Edward travels north for the last time!

Edward travels north for the last time!

‘Oh Robert Bruce, you clearly feel incredibly confident and spruce! But the smart money says that you have definitely cooked your goose!’ Robert Bruce with his wife from a 16th century source. At first, this opinion indeed appeared to be the case. Bruce was defeated in battle at Methven by Aymer de Valence in June …

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King Edward deals with William ‘Big Bill’ Wallace! The rise of Robert Bruce!

King Edward deals with William ‘Big Bill’ Wallace! The rise of Robert Bruce!

‘Having been captured, ‘Big Bill Wallace’, in chains is conveyed to London town! His appearence is met at every turn by Englishman with a loud snarl, and an angry frown!’ August, 1305 was one of the most satisfying times of King Edward’s long reign. How he must have rubbed his hands as he gleefully pondered …

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Edward I returns to Scotland with a vengeance!

Edward I returns to Scotland with a vengeance!

‘I was just about to attack King Phil! But my triumvirate was defeated by a Scot called Big Bill! Now I will see the upstart Scot crushed by means of my iron will!’ What thoughts were going through King Edward’s head as he boarded the royal yacht back to England? The king was beside himself …

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Edward I, The Hammer of the Scots.

Edward I, The Hammer of the Scots.

Edward regarded the Scottish action as based on false grounds! As a result, his fury would know no bounds! Edward marched north, sending word to King John to meet him at the border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed in order to apologise for his gross impertinence. When John declined to oblige, Edward destroyed the town causing immense …

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Edward I now turns his attention northwards- Scotland, the Brave!

Edward I now turns his attention northwards- Scotland, the Brave!

The fact that Edward was in a position to turn his attention to Scotland came about due to a number of tragedies which befell the Scottish royal family. The coronation of King Alexander III of Scotland.   King Alexander of Scotland had three children, but all had died in quick succession during the early-mid 1280’s. …

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Continental interlude and a grievous personal loss!

Continental interlude and a grievous personal loss!

‘After his backbreaking labours in the valleys of the west! Edward was intent on enjoying a much needed rest! The aftermath of his successful endeavours in Wales saw Edward turn his gaze northwards to Scotland, the other Celtic fringe with which England shared a land border. Clearly, frosty Scotland could not have been too far …

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